Being injured in a car accident is bad enough but being injured by a negligent driver who is uninsured or underinsured can be even worse. It is important that car accident victims who are left with damages know about the options that may be able to help them when they have been hit by an uninsured motorist. Though drivers are required to carry insurance in Texas, it is estimated that 8.3% of drivers do not carry insurance but that number could be as high as 25%.
When uninsured motorist coverage kicks in
Uninsured motorist coverage can help car accident victims in three general categories of situations:
- When the driver who hit them does not have car insurance.
- When the driver does not carry enough car insurance to cover the injured party’s costs.
- When the driver’s car insurance company has gone out of business.
Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for the car accident victim’s medical expenses, lost wages if they are unable to work due to the car accident and pain and suffering damages. In addition, funeral expenses may be covered following a fatal accident.
Uninsured motorist claims are filed with the victim’s own car insurance company. This can put the victim in a situation they may not normally be in with their insurance company which is why it is important that they understand uninsured motorist coverage and their rights so they can obtain the help that they need for the damages and harm they have unexpectedly suffered at the hands of a negligent driver who was uninsured or underinsured.
